Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United Football Club’s faith in Nani has been justified.

The Portugal international cost the Reds £17million when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, and he immediately helped them to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory.

Last season, though, the winger disappointed, and when he started this campaign in similar fashion, it seemed only a matter of time before Ferguson would show him the door.

However, Nani’s form since the turn of the year has improved dramatically, and his Old Trafford boss believes this justifies the faith he showed in the player.

"I have always said Nani is a talented boy," said Ferguson. "He has great feet, great pace and great endurance. He is a terrific trainer and a tough little lad.

"We have definitely seen great improvement in his form over the last few weeks. He is starting to mature and that is the reason why I am playing him."

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!